Derby buyer Kirchner makes fresh statement as takeover nears completion

Derby County fans could finally be set for some good news after potential owner Chris Kirchner confirmed he has moved a step closer to completing his protracted takeover.

The Rams have had a miserable time over the last 12 months with administration, points deductions and transfer embargoes amid a backdrop of uncertainty over their long-term future. The club will spend next season in League One for the first time in 1986 after the points deduction gave them a huge handicap that they ultimately were unable to recover from, resulting in relegation from the Championship last term.

Despite that, American businessman Kirchner has remained super-keen to try and get a deal done. Now, issuing an update on his social media channels, Kirchner has given the clearest indication yet that a deal is set to be ratified.

He revealed on Twitter that he "will be the next owner of Derby County" after contracts were exchanged between himself and the club's administrators Quantuma, who have been in place at the East Midlands club since last September.

The only hurdle left to clear is believed to be the issue over the club's stadium, which is owned by former Derby chairman Mel Morris. In order for a takeover of the club to go through, an agreement on either leasing the ground or buying it outright from Morris has to be agreed. A suggestion of ground-sharing with one of Derby's Midlands rivals had been mooted but this is understood to be a last resort.

Kirchner wrote: "I've been beyond fortunate and I'll never forget how lucky I am. I've had the opportunity to realise many of my dreams and even a lot of things beyond my dreams. Today is a day I'll never forget. I'm humbled and excited to share that we've exchanged contracts with Quantuma and I will be the next owner of Derby County Football Club. These contracts are conditional on the sale of the stadium and some small bits. I don't anticipate any issues completing the rest of this process in the coming days. I'll begin funding the club next week."

Administrator Quantuma also provided their own update, saying: "A spokesperson on behalf of the joint administrators of Derby County Football Club said: During the course of the week since our last update, further significant progress has been made.

"As a result of this progress, the joint administrators can confirm that they have exchanged contracts for the sale of the business and assets of the club with preferred bidder, Chris Kirchner. Completion is targeted for on or before May 31, 2022. This is a very significant step towards the completion of a sale of the club."

An EFL statement issued on Tuesday evening read: "The EFL Board has today given its conditional approval to the proposed acquisition of Derby County Football Club by the company controlled by Mr Chris Kirchner (9CK Sports Holdings Limited).

"The EFL and 9CK Sports Holdings Limited have agreed the terms of a Membership Agreement which will govern the conditions attached to the transfer of the share in the EFL and which ultimately will see the Club exit Administration.

"However, its final approval is subject to Mr Kirchner completing on the Asset Purchase Agreement and a deal being finalised in respect of a lease on the stadium by 31 May 2022. The EFL will continue to work with the relevant parties to ensure the best possible outcome for Derby County, its staff, players, fans, and local community."

Manager Wayne Rooney has already committed his future to the club, on the proviso that a takeover gets finalised.

Rooney said last week: "I am confident and optimistic about the future. We are working on this and waiting for things to happen still, but we are confident and when it does happen hopefully we can go out working how we have been. We need to add to the squad and bring staff in too, but we will do what we can to get that right and move this club forward."